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How to Poison-Proof Your House
PPSI recommends that you read the following very carefully. Do a complete
audit of the poisons in your house and take steps to correct any dangerous
situations. Also please use our Checklist as an additional reference in
poison-proofing your home.
Household poisons include:
- Medicines of all kinds
- Iron pills and pain relievers
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics and personal care products. For example, permanent wave neutralizers and hair
straighteners can cause burns, while mouthwash and perfume may contain alcohol.
- Pesticides, including lawn and garden chemicals
- Household and auto maintenance supplies
- Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be produced by car and truck exhaust leaks,
improperly working furnaces, gas-fueled hot water heaters, wood stoves, or charcoal burned indoors
- Improperly stored or prepared foods (see tips on avoiding food poisoning)
- Alcohol. Alcohol may be found in mouthwash, perfumes and aftershave lotions, as well as
in beverages. At parties, remove "empty" glasses and cans out of the way of
children.
- Plants and wild mushrooms
- Seasonal candies or plants. For example, chocolate candy is poisonous to dogs. At Halloween, discard
non-commercial treats such as fruits and homemade goods, and make sure all wrappers are intact.
During winter holidays, avoid decorating with holly or mistletoe berries.
Tips to help avoid food poisoning:
- Wash counter tops, utensils and hands with warm, soapy water before and after preparing food.
- Thaw meat and poultry in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Avoid leaving perishable food outside the refrigerator for more than two hours.
- Don't use canned foods with bulging lids or cracks.
- Thoroughly cook all meat, poultry, seafood and eggs.
- Keep picnic foods in an ice chest or cooler, out of direct sunlight, until serving time.
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